1.9 Introduction to the Famous Scientists
77
theory, theory of elliptic functions, vector analysis, probability theory and calculus
of variations etc. had a series of pioneering contributions, founded and developed
the least-square method, surface theory and potential theory, etc. Published 155
papers, the works had Disquisitiones Arithmeticae (1801), Theoria motus corporum
coelestium in sectionibus conicis solem ambientum (1809), Disquisitiones generales
circa superficies curvas (1828) and Atlas des Erdmagnetismus (1840) etc. One of
the greatest mathematicians in the history of mankind, was acclaimed as a prince
in mathematics. His famous dictum had that “Mathematics, the queen of science,
arithmetic, the queen of mathematics.”
Cauchy (Augstin Louis, Baron, 1789.8.21–1857.5.23) French mathematician and
mechanician. Born in Paris, died in Sceaux. Successively graduated from École Polytechnique and École des Ponts et Chaussées in 1807 and 1810. Became an engineer
in 1809. Returned to École Polytechnique and served as a teacher in 1813, served
as a professor at the university in 1816, and was elected the member of the French
Academy of Sciences. Was also member of the Royal Society and academician of
almost all foreign academies of sciences. Also served as a professor of the Science
School of University of Paris, the Institute of France and the University of Turin.
Achievement spread all over mathematical analysis, complex function, error theory,
algebra, geometry, theory of differential functions, mechanics and astronomy etc.
many fields. The most important contribution in mathematics was in three fields:
Calculus, complex function and theory of differential equations. One of the founders
of classical analysis, one of the founders of modern theory of complex function, and
laid the strict theoretical foundation for elastic mechanics. At least published seven
books and more than 800 papers.
Green (George, 1793.7.14–1841.5.31) British mathematician and physicist. Born in
Nottinghamshire, died in Cambridge. Went to study at the University of Cambridge at
his own expense in 1833, received a bachelor’s degree in 1837. Served as a professor
of University of Cambridge in 1839. A self-taught scientist. Wrote an important book
An Essay on the Application of Mathematical Analysis to the Theories of Electricity
and Magnetism in 1828. Introduced the concept of potential in the book, put forward
the famous Green function and Green theorem, developed the electromagnetic theory.
In such aspects as the reflection and refraction of light in the crystal had larger
contribution. Also developed the law of conservation of energy, obtained the basic
equations of elasticity theory. The Dirichlet principle of the variational method, the
concept of the hypersphere function etc. was originally proposed by him. His name
often appears in the university mathematics, physics textbooks or contemporary
literatures, named terms after his name have the Green theorem, Green formula,
Green function, Green curve, Green operator, Green measure and Green space etc.
Ostrogradsky (Mikhail Vasilyevich, Russian: Mixail Bacilleviq
Octpogpadckii, 1801.9.24–1862.1.1) Russian mathematician, mechanician.
Born in Pashennaya, died in Poltava. Studied at the Kharkiv National V. N. Karazin
University between 1816 and 1820. Studied abroad the University of Paris-Sorbonne
and Institute of France in 1822. Returned to Russia in 1827. Taught at universities
77
theory, theory of elliptic functions, vector analysis, probability theory and calculus
of variations etc. had a series of pioneering contributions, founded and developed
the least-square method, surface theory and potential theory, etc. Published 155
papers, the works had Disquisitiones Arithmeticae (1801), Theoria motus corporum
coelestium in sectionibus conicis solem ambientum (1809), Disquisitiones generales
circa superficies curvas (1828) and Atlas des Erdmagnetismus (1840) etc. One of
the greatest mathematicians in the history of mankind, was acclaimed as a prince
in mathematics. His famous dictum had that “Mathematics, the queen of science,
arithmetic, the queen of mathematics.”
Cauchy (Augstin Louis, Baron, 1789.8.21–1857.5.23) French mathematician and
mechanician. Born in Paris, died in Sceaux. Successively graduated from École Polytechnique and École des Ponts et Chaussées in 1807 and 1810. Became an engineer
in 1809. Returned to École Polytechnique and served as a teacher in 1813, served
as a professor at the university in 1816, and was elected the member of the French
Academy of Sciences. Was also member of the Royal Society and academician of
almost all foreign academies of sciences. Also served as a professor of the Science
School of University of Paris, the Institute of France and the University of Turin.
Achievement spread all over mathematical analysis, complex function, error theory,
algebra, geometry, theory of differential functions, mechanics and astronomy etc.
many fields. The most important contribution in mathematics was in three fields:
Calculus, complex function and theory of differential equations. One of the founders
of classical analysis, one of the founders of modern theory of complex function, and
laid the strict theoretical foundation for elastic mechanics. At least published seven
books and more than 800 papers.
Green (George, 1793.7.14–1841.5.31) British mathematician and physicist. Born in
Nottinghamshire, died in Cambridge. Went to study at the University of Cambridge at
his own expense in 1833, received a bachelor’s degree in 1837. Served as a professor
of University of Cambridge in 1839. A self-taught scientist. Wrote an important book
An Essay on the Application of Mathematical Analysis to the Theories of Electricity
and Magnetism in 1828. Introduced the concept of potential in the book, put forward
the famous Green function and Green theorem, developed the electromagnetic theory.
In such aspects as the reflection and refraction of light in the crystal had larger
contribution. Also developed the law of conservation of energy, obtained the basic
equations of elasticity theory. The Dirichlet principle of the variational method, the
concept of the hypersphere function etc. was originally proposed by him. His name
often appears in the university mathematics, physics textbooks or contemporary
literatures, named terms after his name have the Green theorem, Green formula,
Green function, Green curve, Green operator, Green measure and Green space etc.
Ostrogradsky (Mikhail Vasilyevich, Russian: Mixail Bacilleviq
Octpogpadckii, 1801.9.24–1862.1.1) Russian mathematician, mechanician.
Born in Pashennaya, died in Poltava. Studied at the Kharkiv National V. N. Karazin
University between 1816 and 1820. Studied abroad the University of Paris-Sorbonne
and Institute of France in 1822. Returned to Russia in 1827. Taught at universities